Rebel Cultures: Punks, Rap & Gangs by Janette Beckman

L.A.'s Punk and Rap Past Captured by Photographer Janette Beckman

Photos by Janette Beckman

Janette Beckman is a New York based photographer born in London, England, and is a product of the '70s punk movement. Although much of her portrait work is often associated with New York, Beckman put together a gallery that opened April 17th of select photos, dating 31 years ago of L.A.'s Punk and Rap past. The collection of various iconic photographs includes Johnny Rotten, Joe Strummer, Debbie Harry, Slick Rick, Keith Haring, and Run DMC to name a few. The exhibition is called Rebel Cultures: Punks, Rap & Gangs, and is currently being featured in HVW8 Art + Design Gallery in Los Angeles through May 18th.

Aside from the Punk and Rap scene in LA, Beckman also features photos from the summer of 1982, when she was introduced to members of the East LA gang, El Hoyo Maravilla. The poverty and culture in the area inspired her to capture many of it's members in the heart of their known territory, a perfect additional to her gallery on "Rebel Cultures". Surviving gang members that were involved were even invited to the gallery opening. Other gallery goers included Curt Smith of Tears for Fears and Delicious Vinyl's Rick Ross.

Check out some of the following photos from the gallery on exhibition now, and be sure to check out more of Beckman's work here.

[Via LA Weekly]